In the state of Delaware, USA, a trial has begun against the son of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, who is accused of illegal purchase of weapons. As CBS News reports, the first court session was dedicated to jury selection, and the First Lady Jill Biden came to show support for Hunter. President Biden was not present, but made a statement in which he expressed support for his son, avoiding comment on the trial itself.
The charges, filed in September 2023, include giving false testimony during the purchase of a weapon and illegal possession of it. Investigators claim that Hunter Biden purchased a pistol with fake documents, as at the time of purchase he was using banned substances, which made his possession of the weapon illegal. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Background and public perception
Hunter Biden, the middle son of Joe Biden, worked as a lobbyist, lawyer, and investment banker. He has publicly talked about his struggle with drug addiction. Prior to the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden noted that his son had been through hard times, but continues to fight and not give up. The president also added that Hunter is “the most honest and decent person he knows”.
For many years, Hunter Biden has been the target of attacks from former president Donald Trump and other Republicans, who have accused him of offenses related, among other things, to Ukraine and China. For instance, Hunter served on the board of directors of the Ukrainian company Burisma, associated with former Minister of Ecology Mykola Zlochevsky.
Impact on the 2024 presidential campaign
The court case against Hunter Biden is taking place at a critical time and may coincide with his father’s re-election campaign. American media, including CNN, emphasize that the “dramatic court hearing” may affect the elections. The White House hoped that Hunter’s legal problems would be resolved in the summer, but the plea deal collapsed, causing a delay. The House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, announced the start of an impeachment investigation against Joe Biden over his son’s business projects.
In June 2023 it became known that Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to two tax-related offenses and one firearm-related one, as part of a deal with the federal prosecutor’s office. CNN reported that the US Department of Justice agreed to recommend a probationary term for two counts of late tax payment for 2017 and 2018. It was expected that the criminal charge of illegal firearm possession would be “disregarded”. However, the deal fell apart in July after a judge in Delaware found the agreement did not meet legal requirements, noted “Voice of America”.
The trial continues, attracting the attention of national media and influencing the political dynamics in the election period.
